Ruling on headscarf must be respected — Turkish chief of staff
By KUNA,
Istanbul : Turkish Chief of Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit, said Friday the constitutional court's annulment of the parliament's decision to allow Muslim women to wear the "hijab" (headscarf) at universities must be respected, reminding that the country was a secular, democratic state.
Yesterday, the Turkish constitutional court ruled out amendments ratified by parliament to lift the ban on wearing the headscarf at universities and educational institutions.
Musharraf dismisses resignation reports
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Saturday dismissed as baseless rumours of his resignation and said that they have created panic among the people.
"I have not decided to resign. I will remain in Pakistan. I do not have any house outside Pakistan. Rumors about my resignations are rubbish," Musharraf told a group of senior reporters in a programme broadcast live on TV.
"Someone reported that a plane has landed in Islamabad to take me out of Pakistan. But where is the plane?" he asked.
Several Pakistani troops die on border
By IINA,
Islamabad : At least 18 people are reported to have been killed in clashes on the Pakistan-Afghan border. Ten of the dead were reported to be Pakistani troops killed by an apparent missile strike by US or Nato-led forces, launched from Afghanistan. Eight Taleban militants were also killed in the fighting, a Taleban spokesman said. None of the Pakistani, Afghan or US militaries, or Nato, have yet officially commented on the incident.
Allied Forces airstrike kills 11 Pakistan soldiers Spokesman
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The military spokesman in a statement on Wednesday confirmed that at least 11 soldiers were killed in an overnight Allied Forces airstrike in the Pakistani bordering tribal region and said a strong protest has been lodged.
Karzai appeals for aid at Afghanistan conference
By DPA,
Paris : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Thursday appealed to the international community to provide long-term aid for his struggling country.
The most important needs were energy and agriculture, he told the representatives of 67 nations and 17 international organisations gathered at a conference in Paris to give his government a political and financial boost.
Karzai also asked donor nations to improve the coordination of aid with his government in Kabul. "Parallel structures exist currently that hinder the establishment of Afghan institutions," he said.
Arab fund cuts off Iraqi debt of $100 mln
By Xinhua,
Amman : The Abu-Dhabi-based Arab Monetary Fund has written off 100 million U.S. dollars out of Iraq's a total of 500 million dollars debt, a visiting Iraqi official revealed here Saturday.
Iraqi Finance Minister Bayan Jabr made the confirmation at a press conference after Iraq and the Arab fund signed an agreement in this regard.
Many Western nations have dropped Iraqi debt but Sunni Arab neighboring states, wary of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government and its ties with Iran, have been reluctant to follow suit.
Sadr’s followers to support candidates outside movement in upcoming provincial elections
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The followers of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr will not field candidates under their own political movement but will support any qualified and independent candidate, a Sadr aide said on Sunday.
Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, Sadr's spokesman in the holy Shiite city of Najaf said "the Sadr political movement is not boycotting the (provincial) elections but we call on our followers to vote for independent candidates even if they are from other party lists."
Kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia call on unity among Arabs
By Xinhua,
Amman : Kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia stressed that the unification of Arab attitudes and activating joint Arab cooperation are the best way to address the challenges facing the nation and preserve its interests, the Royal Hashemite Court said on Sunday.
The two heads made the remarks during Sunday's talks in Jeddah, which focused on the political developments on Arab and regional arenas, efforts to achieve regional peace and stability as well as ways to activate all-round bilateral relations.
Britain to step up troop levels in Afghanistan: Brown
By DPA,
London : Britain is to send more troops to Afghanistan, increasing its presence in the country to its highest level so far, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday.
Speaking at a joint news conference in London with US President George W. Bush, Brown said security was on its way to being "transformed" in Afghanistan.
He said Britain and the US were working "side by side" both in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bangladesh to host Saarc ministers’ meeting on climate change
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) ministerial meeting on climate change will be held here July 3.
The meeting will be held in the backdrop of growing concern of adverse impact of climate change, particularly sea level rise in some countries of the region, the leading English-language newspaper The Daily Star reported Tuesday.
In view of growing concern for climate change, the 29th session of the Saarc council of ministers in New Delhi in December last year decided to hold the ministerial meeting.
Car bomb kills 50 in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : A car bomb blast in northern Baghdad left more than 50 people dead and 80 wounded Tuesday, a police source said.
"The car that was parked in a garage in al-Hurriya district, north Baghdad, has exploded leaving at least 130 casualties. All of them are civilians," sources told DPA.
The bomb ripped through the garage and a bus stop as well as striking an outdoor market and apartments in Hurriya, a predominantly Shia neighbourhood, according to the CNN website.
US urges Afghans, Pakistanis to cooperate on border security
By DPA,
Washington : The US Tuesday urged the Afghan and Pakistani governments to work together to improve border security, after Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned he was willing to send troops into Pakistan to halt cross-border militant attacks.
Karzai has been increasingly frustrated by attacks carried out on Afghan soil by Taliban militants operating out of Pakistan, and on Sunday threatened to launch an assault across the border.
Somali president escapes roadside bomb attack
By DPA,
Mogadishu : A roadside bomb killed three policemen, one of them a senior officer, in Mogadishu Wednesday just minutes after a convoy carrying Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed had driven past.
The bomb went off near Al-Mathal school in southern Mogadishu, as an armoured vehicle went past on patrol, instantly killing the head of police in west Mogadishu, officials told DPA.
"The commander died in the blast and two other policemen died in the hospital," a government official who requested anonymity, said.
Jeddah meeting asserts need for oil production, refining investment
By NNN-KUNA,
Jeddah : The Jeddah Energy Meeting has stressed the importance of boosting investments in oil production and refining, as well as seeking other energy resources.
Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Nuaimi, reading a final communique at a news conference at the conclusion of the one-day meeting, said it was important to strengthen transparency in international stock markets as well as the development of legislation of investment funds.
382 illegal migrants arrested in UAE
By IANS,
Sharjah : As part of a drive against illegal migrant workers into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), authorities here have arrested 382 people, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
Abdullah Ali bin Sahoo, director of the Department of Naturalisation and Residency, said the immigrants have been arrested for violating the country's entry and residency laws.
Sahoo said the department would "continue the inspection campaign to bring violators to book".
Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in West Bank
By SPA,
Nablus, West Bank : Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, including a commander of Islamic Jihad group in the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday in the first fatal raid
since a ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip last week.
Tarek Juma Abu Ghali, who lost his life, is described as one of most senior commanders of Islamic Jihad group in the northern West Bank, Reuters reported.
A second Palestinian, affiliated with the Hamas group, was also killed in the overnight raid, Palestinian security sources said.
Gaza rockets hit Israeli Sderot area despite truce
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Three Qassam rockets fired Tuesday afternoon from the Gaza Strip landed in the Sderot area, five days after a ceasefire enacted between Israel and Palestinian militant groups last week.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert responded in a statement that the Qassam attack was "a clear violation of the ceasefire understandings."
The Prime Minister's office added that Olmert "warned that the truce may be short-lived. ...Israel has warned against such breaches and will now consider the counter measures at its disposal."
2 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Assistance Security Force (ISAF) were killed on Tuesday in two separate attacks by anti-government militants in eastern and southern Afghanistan, said the ISAF.
One ISAF serviceman died from wounds inflicted when the vehicle struck an explosive device planted on the roadside in eastern province of Nangarhar, said the ISAF in a statement.
Meanwhile, another ISAF soldier was killed during an engagement with insurgents in Sangin district of southern Helmand province.
Erekat: Rice invites Palestinian negotiators to Washington
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has invited Palestinian negotiators to the United States to discuss and evaluate the staggering Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a senior Palestinian official said on Wednesday.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the invitation was sent to Ahmed Qurei, head of the Palestinian negotiation team. According to Rice's invitation, the visit is scheduled for next month.
Israel arrests seven Palestinian in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested seven Palestinians in West Bank cities early on Thursday, Palestinian security sources said.
The detentions took place in Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin and Jericho, the sources added.
At dawn, the Israeli army stormed Nablus and arrested three residents during raids and searching operations in houses, said the sources.
Israeli sources said the detainees were taken for interrogation because they were wanted by the security services.
Kuwaiti parliament”s session adjourned to Oct 21
By KUNA,
Kuwait : National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi announced Thursday that the beginning of the second session of the parliament's 12th legislative term would be on October 21.
This came at the closing for the current session, and following speeches by the speaker and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Allam Al-Kanderi, the parliament's secretary, then read out the decree on adjourning the session as of today, June 26.
Jordan, Britain sign nuclear co-op memorandum
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan entered into a preliminary nuclear accord on Sunday with Britain in a bid to take advantage of the latter's expertise to facilitate its civil nuclear program, a senior Jordanian official said.
Chairman of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Khalid Touqan told reporters that the U.K. and Jordan have agreed in a memorandum to join efforts to promote "the establishment of a reliable source of nuclear fuel for future civilian light water nuclear reactors" in the energy scarce kingdom.
UAE gas company announces new oil discovery in Egypt
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : Dana Gas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the largest private-sector natural gas company in the Middle East, announced on Sunday that it has made a new oil discovery in its concessions in Egypt.
The new discovery by the Sharjah-based Dana Gas is the company's first discovery in its major drilling campaign in 2008, according to a press release by the company.
"This is the first discovery for Dana Gas in its major drilling campaign for this year," said Ahmed Rashid Al Arbeed, the company's Executive Director for Upstream.
Iraqi govt allcates USD 10 million to rebuild Sadr, Shula cities
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government has allocated USD 10 million to rebuild the cities of Al-Sadr and Al-Shula following the ejection of armed militia.
Tahseen Shaikhali, civilian spokesman of the Law Enforcement plan, said USD 10 million were allocated to rebuild different sectors in Al-Sadr city in Baghdad, which witnessed devastation caused by the Iraqi government's military operations against armed militia.
The USD 10 million will be used to rebuild schools, sports clubs, parks and electricity supply, Shaikhali told a news conference here Sunday.
Blast at Iran gas canister centre, 15 feared dead
By SPA,
Tehran : An explosion at a gas distribution company in a town near the Iranian capital was thought to have killed 15 people, Iran's Fars news agency said on Monday.
The cause of the blast late on Sunday was not immediately clear, but Fars said a large number of gas canisters used in homes for cooking had exploded.
"It is not yet clear if (the blast) was intentional or not," Fars reported, adding that the explosion occurred at a gas company in a suburb of Karaj, west of Tehran.
Palestinian official: Israel not increases fuel supplies to Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Israel did not increase fuel shipments it allows into the Gaza Strip as an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire enters its 10th day, a Palestinian official said on Monday.
Mahmoud al-Khozendar, deputy director of the petrol stations owners union in Gaza, said the fuel shipments sent to Gaza Monday were even less than that before the ceasefire took hold.
Israel, Syria to begin third round of talks
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel and Syria are to resume their indirect peace negotiations and two senior Israeli officials are to leave for Turkey to conduct the talks, Israel Radio reported Monday.
An Israeli spokesman would not comment on the report, which said that Yoram Turbovitz, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bureau chief, and Shalom Turjeman, a senior aide to the premier, were to depart for Turkey Monday night for a third round of talks with Syria.
Israel reopens Gaza crossing points
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak ordered the reopening Wednesday of the crossing points into the Gaza Strip, after they had been shut for one day in response to the launching of a rocket from the salient into southern Israel.
For the first time in a year, construction materials will be allowed into the Strip, Israeli media reported.
The rocket launched late Monday caused neither injuries nor damage, and was the fifth rocket launched since a truce between Israel and the Gazan militant organisations went into effect from June 19.
Syria returns princeless archeological artifact to Iraq
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Syrian Minister of Culture Dr Riadh Naasan Agha has handed over here a priceless archeological artifact to the Iraqi Minister of Tourism and Archeology Mohammad Abbas al-Uraibi.
The artifact was confiscated by Syrian authorities while it was being smuggled from Iraq to Syria.
The artifact, 100 cm high and 40 cm wide, is part of the Nimrod Temple, which is located in northern Iraq, near al-Mosul. It depicts the Assyrian Nimrod engraved on a type of stone that stores light during the day, making it glow in the dark.
Bangladesh FM’s adviser says there should be limit to high food prices
By Siti Radziah Hamzah, NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Limpur : Bangladesh feels there should be a limit to the extent of high food prices influenced by the surge in demand for biofuel, says Dr Ifthekar Ahmed Chowdhury, the adviser to the country's Foreign Minister.
The general consensus was that biofuel contributed towards the food crisis as crops were being turned into ethanol and mixed with fuel, he added Sunday.
Al-Assad stresses necessity of intensifying efforts to realise Palestinian unity
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has stressed the necessity of intensifying efforts to realise Palestinian unity, saying that "national unity among Palestinians is the only way for them to regain rights and achieve aspirations in the establishment of a Palestinian independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."
Al-Assad held two meetings with President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas on the situation in Palestine and the peace process.
Car bomb kills 15, wounds 20 outside Indian Embassy in Kabul
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : A car bomb went off outside the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday killing 15 people and wounding over 20, a source in the country's interior ministry said.
Police say the blast was a suicide attack. No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility.
The Indian Embassy is located opposite the Interior Ministry, but the explosion went off to the side of the building, where people were queuing to receive Indian visas.
French FM sees continuing dialogue with Iran on nuclear issue
By John Keating, KUNA,
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said here Monday that he did not see the dialogue ending with Iran after reception of a letter from Iranian authorities which is expected in France later Monday afternoon.
The French Minister explained that he has not had the opportunity yet to read the Iranian letter which has been transmitted to Chief of the EU foreign policy Javier Solana and the other five members of the Six major nations addressing the Iranian issue.
Remembering the diplomat son lost to a terror strike
By IANS,
Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh) : A day after the suicide bomb attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul, a pall of gloom enveloped the house of V. Venkateshwara Rao, an Indian diplomat who lost his life along with 43 others.
"He told me over phone that he will come to celebrate his birthday on Aug 26 and take us to Delhi, where we will live together," Rao's father Vadapalli Appalacharyulu said as tears roll down his cheeks.
"He also wanted to know what he should bring for me from Kabul," Appalacharyulu added.
Pro-government Christian parties delay Lebanese cabinet formation
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanon has not yet formed a cabinet till now as the pro-government Christian parties have been unable to reach an agreement on the distribution of cabinet portfolios, Local Al-Akhbar daily reported Tuesday.
However, an agreement was reached between Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun and Lebanese Prime Minister-designated Fouad Seniora on the opposition's share in the new cabinet, the report said.
Muslim D-8 Group urges quick resolution of Food Problem
By SPA,
Kuala Lumpur : The leaders of the Group of the eight Muslim developing countries (D-8) urged today the governments to work for solving the problem of food, and said failure to resolve this problem would have disastrous repercussions.
Addressing the summit's inaugural session, Malaysian Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi underscored the importance of regional and international cooperation for confronting the problems of oil and food.
The group is comprised of Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and Turkey.
Terrorism cannot be fought only by using force: Gilani
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has spoken of "a new, multi-pronged strategy" to combat terrorism at home, making it clear that it could not be won only by using force.
Stressing the need for a political dialogue with the pro-Taliban tribals and militants who have been battling the government for long, Gilani told the New Straits Times: "The fight against terrorism cannot be won merely through short-term military, legislative or administrative measures."
Iran urges UN to help free kidnapped diplomats
By NNN-FNA,
Tehran : Iran is seeking the assistance of the United Nations to help secure the release of four Iranian diplomats kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982.
Tehran believes the four - three diplomats and a journalist - are being kept in Israel, but the Zionist regime has so far denied holding the four.
No confidence motion against Badawi government rejected
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The first no confidence motion against Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Badawi's government was rejected Monday, causing opposition lawmakers in Malaysia's parliament to stage a protest walk-out.
Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia rejected an emergency motion of no confidence in his chamber, citing "use of wrong words" as the reason, The Star Online said.
Opposition Leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had last Thursday filed a non-voting motion that generated a lot of political heat in the wake of a sodomy charge levelled last month against her husband Anwar Ibrahim.
Palestinian officials to Washington amid low expectations for peace
By Joe Macaron, KUNA,
Washington : Palestinian negotiators arrive to Washington on Tuesday to hold talks with US officials in what could be a last bid to overcome the stalemate in a peace process that seems out of reach before the end of the year.
"The meeting in Washington is to talk to the Americans about what can be achieved before President George W. Bush leaves office," said the Director of Middle East Democracy at Brookings Tamara Cofman Wittes in an interview with KUNA.
"It is impossible and too complicated to get a final status agreement before next January," she added.
Deposed Palestinian gov”t says Israel banned Blair”s Gaza visit
By KUNA,
Gaza : The deposed Palestinian government cited Tuesday Israeli pressures that led to the canceling of the visit of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to Gaza Strip.
In a press release, the deposed government said that Israel banned Blair from entering Gaza, although he reached the borders, to prevent him from seeing and reporting the disaster cased by the "unjust" Israeli siege on the strip.
22 PKK rebels killed in operation in SE Turkey
By Xinhua,
Ankara : A total of 22 rebels of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) were killed in the operations staged by the Turkish security forces in Sirnak province in southeastern Turkey in the past four days, a Turkish military statement said on Tuesday.
Palestinian officials arrive in Washington amid low expectations for peace
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : Palestinian negotiators have arrived here to hold talks with US officials in what could be a last bid to overcome the stalemate in a peace process that seems out of reach before the end of the year.
"The meeting in Washington is to talk to the Americans about what can be achieved before President George W. Bush leaves office," said Director of Middle East Democracy at Brookings, Tamara Cofman Wittes in an interview with KUNA.
"It is impossible and too complicated to get a final status agreement before next January," she added.
China slams BBC, international court over Darfur
By DPA,
Beijing : China Tuesday voiced "grave concerns" over the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s decision to charge the Sudanese president with genocide in the embattled Darfur region, and said a BBC report alleging that China had violated a UN arms embargo on Darfur was "strongly biased."
"China has grave concerns and misgivings about the ICC's prosecution," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.
"The ICC's actions should be helpful to the stability of the Darfur region and to finding a solution to the issue, not the contrary," Liu told reporters.
Hamas expresses satisfaction over talks on Yemeni initiative
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Hamas has praised the efforts of President Ali Abdullah Saleh towards Palestinian reconciliation.
Its Political Bureau head, Khaled Masha'al, said prior to his departure Tuesday that Saleh made contacts with a number of Arab leaders to determine steps to be taken to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.
He renewed Hamas' commitment to the Yemeni initiative towards reconciliation and Palestinian unity.
3,000 detained workers in UAE freed, set to resume work
By IANS,
Dubai : United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities Wednesday ordered the release of around 3,000 expatriate workers, a vast majority of them Indians, who were detained July 4 for their involvement in a violent strike.
"Following police investigations, the release of all the workers, except for eight, has been ordered today (Wednesday)," a diplomatic source told IANS.
"The workers are likely to resume work at their site in Ras Al Khaimah tomorrow," the source said.
The eight detained include seven Indians and one Bangladeshi.
China to participate in Geneva talks on Iran
By Xinhua,
Beijing : China Thursday announced that it would send a senior diplomat to Geneva to attend the international talks on Iranian nuclear standoff slated for Saturday.
Assistant Fforeign Minister Liu Jieyi will represent China in the talks which will primarily be between Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Thursday.
Diplomats from the US, Russia, Britain, France and Germany will also attend the talks as observors.
Bush, Maliki, agree on ‘time horizon’ for US troop cut
By AFP,
Tucson, Arizona : US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have agreed to set a "time horizon" for US troop withdrawals as part of a long-term security pact, the White House said Friday.
But any reduction in the US force presence "would be based on continued improving conditions on the ground and not an arbitrary date for withdrawal," spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement.
Israel increases fuels amounts into Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official said on Saturday that Israel has actually increased the amounts of diesel and gasoline allowed into the Gaza Strip, but kept the same limited amounts of cooking gas.
Mahmoud al-Shawa, chief of Gaza Stations Union said in a statement that Israel on Friday added 400 thousand liters of diesel to the previous amount of diesel which is 800 thousand liters.
EU’s Solana starts nuclear talks with Iranian nuclear negotiator
By Xinhua,
Geneva : Top EU diplomatic official Javier Solana started a nuclear talks with Iran's nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili here on Saturday at the presence of U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns.
Burns, the first U.S. diplomat to attend negotiations with Iran in 30 years, was here to witness the whole process of the talks.
Though Burns will not take an active role at the meeting, but his presence was widely seen as a major policy shift of Washington on Iran.
Arab League seeks compromises in Sudan-ICC crisis
By DPA,
Cairo : In an effort to avoid possible prosecution of the Sudanese president on genocide charges, an Arab League committee formed during an emergency meeting Saturday is trying to draw up a conciliatory statement to solve the crisis between Sudan and the International Criminal Court (ICC), diplomatic sources said.
The cirsis erupted when ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court Monday to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on suspicion of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Geneva talks find no path to full Iran negotiations
By DPA,
Geneva : Iran and world powers, including the US for the first time, failed to find a way towards full negotiations in Geneva Saturday, as Tehran's representatives did not agree to the precondition of suspending uranium enrichment.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with Iranian negotiator Saeid Jalili, EU chief diplomat Solana said that "the most important question" in the dispute with Iran remained unanswered.
Obama arrives in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : US Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama arrived in Baghdad on Monday, on the second stage of a major foreign tour.
Obama, who is visiting as part of a Congressional delegation, will meet senior Iraqi officials and US military leaders.
"Afghanistan had to be the central focus of the war on terror," Obama said during his visit to Afghanistan on Sunday.
UAE’s Air Arabia celebrates 10 million passenger mark
By NNN-WAM,
Sharjah : Air Arabia has announced that it has flown more than 10 million passengers since its launch in October 2003. The carrier passed the mark at the end of June 2008.
In the first half of 2008, Air Arabia carried more than 1.6 million passengers, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1.2 million passengers in the corresponding period last year. Passenger average load factor -- passengers carried as a proportion of available seats -- for the first half of 2008 stood at 86 per cent, a 3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Iran’s Security Official talks with top Chinese, Russian negotiators
By SPA,
Geneva : Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili in separate meetings with the top Chinese and Russian nuclear negotiators on Sunday called for final settlement of Iran's nuclear dossier which was discussed with representatives of Group 6+1 in Geneva.
Group 6+1, which included high ranking representatives from Britain, Germany, France, China, Russia and the US and EU top negotiator Javier Solana, met with the Iranian envoy on Saturday and discussed various issues such as Iran's modality plan for continued talks.
Attorney: Decision on whether to indict Olmert to be made soon
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli State Attorney Moshe Lador said Monday that a decision will be made soon on whether to indict Prime Minister Ehud Olmert over the ongoing "money envelopes" investigation, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported onits website.
The evidences the prosecutors have gathered against Olmert, whois suspected of taking illicit money from American businessman Morris Talansky, will soon be submitted to Attorney General Menahem Mazuz, who will then decide whether to take Olmert to court, said Lador.
Israel arrests 12 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested 12 Palestinians early Tuesday during raids in West Bank cities, security sources said.
The detainees seized in Nablus and Hebron cities were taken to interrogation, the sources said, adding that two of the detainees in Hebron were accused of throwing stones at Israeli vehicles.
Israel stages almost daily raids in the occupied territory and arrests Palestinians it accuses of planning or participating in attacks against Israeli targets.
Pakiatani govt not to pass on burden of increased fare to pilgrims
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that government will not pass on the burden of any increase in fares to pilgrims keeping in view increasing oil prices at the international market.
Talking to APP here on Wednesday, he said earlier PIA and the Religious Ministry had agreed on fare issue but now he feared PIA might increase fare for Hajj operation after unprecedented surge in petrol prices.
“The government and PIA will bear the burden of increased fares and we will not pass on the burden to pilgrims” , he said.
Dhaka’s Best Air to fly to Colombo, Male
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi private airliner Best Air is adding Colombo and Male on its South Asia map. Emanating from Dhaka, the flights for these destinations begin Monday.
This is the first foray of a Dhaka-based airline to the Maldivian capital where 40,000 Bangladeshis work, Best Air chairman Haider Uz-Zaman was quoted as saying by the New Age newspaper.
Hamas launches crackdown against Fatah following Gaza blasts
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas forces launched a crackdown on supporters and charities linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in Gaza Strip early Saturday following a mysterious blast that killed a number of Hamas people.
Among the detainees was a colonel working in the pro-Abbas intelligence service and a cameraman works for the German ARD television.
Bangladesh condemns Bangalore blasts
By NNN-PTI,
Dhaka : Bangladesh today condemned the Bangalore bombing in the "strongest terms" calling it an act of "mindless terrorism."
"All Bangladeshis condemn the bombing in the strongest terms. These were acts of mindless terrorism, and such crimes never pay," Foreign Adviser of the interim government Iftekhar Ahmed Chowhdhury said in a statement.
"Our sympathies are with the families of the bereaved and with the government and the people of India."
A series of explosions on Friday rocked India's IT hub killing two persons and injuring 12 others.
Emirates gets its first Airbus A380 giant airliner
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national carrier Emirates airline Monday took possession of the first of the 58 Airbus A380 jumbo aircraft it had placed orders for.
Emirates chairman and chief executive officer Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum attended the function to take possession of the aircraft at Airbus's Jurgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre in Hamburg, according to an Emirates statement here.
"We have stood firm on our commitment to the A380," Sheikh Ahmed said while accepting the aircraft.
Israeli commander sacked for shooting at arrested Palestinian
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Tuesday suspended the commanding officer of the soldier who was captured on film shooting a blindfolded, handcuffed Palestinian protester in the foot with a rubber-coated metal bullet earlier this month.
An IDF spokesman said its Northern Command Chief, Major General Gadi Eisenkot, had ordered the officer to take a 10-day leave of absence after a hearing Tuesday and pending further investigation.
Eisenkot described the incident as "severe" and said it amounted to a "moral failure" on the part of the commander, the spokesman said.
Pakistani Taliban step up activities, occupy booster of state TV, kidnap policemen
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban have stepped their activities in parts of the country and have taken over the control of the booster of the state-run television and kidnapped police men from a police station, witnesses and police said Tuesday.
Armed Taliban occupied booster of PTV in the restive Bajaur tribal region and spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Umar said the booster is still in their control.
The authorities had formed a jirga or council of tribal elders to negotiate with the Taliban to end occupation of the booster but failed to convince Taliban.
Pakistan experts same US-India nuclear deal: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Washington : Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said Pakistan expects from United States the similar kind of nuclear deal it made with India.
“There should be no discrimination. If they want to give such nuclear status to India, we expect the same for Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said in a conversation with Richard N. Haass, President of Council on Foreign Relations at a meeting jointly organized with the Middle East Institute here.
OIC expresses concern over military takeover in Mauritania
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has expressed concern over the military takeover staged against the democratically-elected goverrnment in Mauritania Wednesday and detention of the president and prime minister by the army officers.
He said in a statement that he was particularly dismayed by this development as Mauritania had been exhibiting exemplary development towards the entrenchment of democracy and rule of law in the country with the visible positive role and support of its armed forces.
Indians now number around 420,000 in Qatar
By IANS,
Dubai : The population of expatriate Indians in Qatar stood at 419,096 as of July 31, more than double that of the local Qatari population, a minister said.
The country's Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani revealed the figure in the course of a meeting with India's Ambassador to Qatar George Joseph, the Gulf Times newspaper reported.
The meeting was part of a series of farewell calls the ambassador is making prior to his departure from the Gulf nation.
Afghan intelligence agents free German hostage
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan-German businessman kidnapped in Kabul was freed by Afghan agents, a spokesman of the country's intelligence service said Thursday.
"Our agency was informed of the case yesterday and our forces conducted an operation last night, freeing the hostage and arresting three of the kidnappers," Sayed Ansari, a spokesman for the National Directorate of Security, told DPA.
Another source from the same spy agency, who did not want to be named, said that the man was freed from a house in Bagram district in northern Parwan province, 50 km from Kabul.
UAE commits $10 million to nuclear fuel reserve proposal
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates has contributed $10 million towards a fuel bank proposal originally launched by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in 2006.
Palestinian official urges Israel to open commercial crossing with Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official said Saturday that the flow of goods into Gaza will remain weak unless Israel opens a key commercial crossing point into the besieged territory.
"The promises to increase the amount and sorts of products that Israel sends to Gaza can not be met unless al-Muntar (Karni) crossing is opened," said independent lawmaker Jamal al-Khodary, who leads a campaign against the sanctions that Israel imposed on Gaza last year.
Four Taliban held in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : The US-led coalition and Afghan troops have arrested four militants of an anti-America group linked to Taliban, officials here said on Monday.
The four detainees are members of the "Haqqani" group, said a statement from the US' Bagram base here. The raid on their hideout was conducted in the southeastern Khost province of Afghanistan, said the statement.
The identities of the four arrestees were not revealed. However, it was said they were arrested during search of several compounds in Gurbaz district of the province.
Pakistan, Turkish air forces to conduct joint exercise: official
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Air forces of Pakistan and Turkey will conduct joint exercises this month, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said on Monday.
"The Exercise would be conducted in Pakistan during the month of April," a PAF statement said." "To benefit from the expertise and professional experiences of each other, PAF and the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) are conducting a Joint Exercise 'Indus Viper-2008' in Pakistan," it said.
The statement said that a contingent of TuAF fighter aircraft and personnel will undertake joint planning and execution of various combat missions in the exercises.
Gaza clashes leave 5 militants, 3 Israeli soldiers dead
By DPA,
Gaza City/Tel Aviv : Separate early morning clashes in the Gaza Strip Wednesday left three Israeli soldiers and five Palestinian militants - four from Hamas and one from the Islamic Jihad - dead, Palestinian and Israeli spokesmen said.
The three soldiers were killed in an early morning firefight with gunmen, who were spotted approaching the heavily-guarded fence which separates the Strip from Israel, just south of the Nahal Oz crossing point, east of Jebalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
Israel could start major operation in Gaza in summer – paper
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel could launch a major ground incursion in the Gaza Strip this summer to cripple Hamas's infrastructure, The Jerusalem Post quoted unidentified sources in Jerusalem as saying.
They said the incursion, similar to a 2002 operation in the West Bank, would not take place until mid-June, a month after U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Israel.
After the operation, Israel would hand Gaza over to Egypt or a "third party", the sources said.
Pakistan committed to IPI gas pipeline project, U.S envoy told
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan has told the United States that it is committed to signing the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline deal with Iran to meet its emerging energy requirements, reports said Thursday.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Khawaja Asif informed the U.S Ambassador Anne W Patterson in a meeting that Pakistan and Iran are in the final stages of signing the IPI gas pipeline project deal, the report in a major daily said.
Pakistani Ambassador: Olympic torch relay underscores universality ogf games
By NNN-APP,
Beijing : Pakistani Ambassador Salman Bashir has said that the lighting of the Olympic flame and its relay across continents, underscores the universality of the games.
In a congratulatory message to the English language China Daily on its special supplement on Olympic Torch relay, the Ambassador underscores the universality of the games, which, he said will unite all peoples under the apt motto of “One World One Dream”.
Carter, exiled Hamas leader meet in Damascus on peace efforts
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Visiting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met with exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Damascus on Friday and discussed the peace efforts in the region.
The talks between Carter and Meshaal focused on three basic topics, namely the fate of Israeli captive Gilad Shalit, the situation in Gaza and the lift of the siege there, deputy chief ofthe exiled Hamas politburo Moussa Abu Marzouk told reporters.
Bangladesh needs 32 mn tonnes of rice: Experts
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladesh needs to produce around 32 billion tonnes of rice in the fiscal year 2008-09 to ensure its food security, experts said.
The country's Food Advisor A.M.M. Shawkat Ali and Agriculture Advisor C.S. Karim while addressing a seminar in the capital Monday, said it is a difficult target to achieve.
"Thousands of hectares of land in unfavourable areas can be used for paddy cultivation and production can be boosted by using hybrid seeds. So it is not impossible to produce 32 million tonnes of rice," UNB news agency quoted Karim as saying.
Civilian casualty toll mounts, Iran urges US to stop bloodshed
By IRNA,
Baghdad : The civilian casualty toll mounted Wednesday as US escalated air strikes on residential areas in Sadr City amid Iranian call on the US to stop air strikes.
"Iran is concerned over further bloodshed and civilian deaths in Iraq," Hassan Kazemi Qomi told a press conference in Baghdad earlier this week.
He said that the warring parties should sit at the negotiating table.
IRNA reporter in Baghdad said citing Iraqi Interior Ministry that two omen were among seven civilians killed in indiscriminate bombardment of Sadr City overnight.
U.S. reports new Gulf confrontation, Iran denies
By Xinhua,
Washington : U.S. officials said Friday that a vessel contracted by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf fired warning shots on two Iranian fast boats Thursday, but Iran denied the claims .
The U.S. ship Westward Venture, contracted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command to carry military cargo to Kuwait, fired upon the boats after attempts to get the Iranian boats' attention failed, FOX News quoted Pentagon sources as saying.
A U.S. navy security team, armed with M16 rifles and machine guns, was onboard the Westward Venture at the time the warning shots were fired.
Second Arab Conference on intellectual property to kick off Saturday
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League will play host on Saturday to the Second Arab Regional Conference on the Teaching of Intellectual Property Law in the Arab World.
The conference is being co-organized by the league's IP unit, the Arab Lawyers Union (ALU), the IP Regional Institute of Egypt's Holwan University in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Cairo-based league said in a statement on Friday.
Five countries voice readiness to invest in Iran
By NNN-IRNA,
Hamedan : Deputy Chairman of Trade Promotion Organisation of Iran Ali Houshmand Manesh said on Thursday that Iraq, Tajikistan, Sudan, Armenia and Russia have voiced readiness to invest and establish trade centers in Iran.
Speaking to IRNA during the current visit of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Hamedan province, he said the foreign countries have voiced readiness to invest in Iran and the Iranian officials are now reviewing their offers.
Kuwaiti students in France call for voting rights
By Sherouq Sadeqi, KUNA,
Paris : The National Union of Kuwaiti Students in France and neighboring countries announced here Monday that it will be launching a campaign soon to press for granting the Kuwaitis living abroad the right to cast their vote through the establishment of centers for this purpose.
Israel ends 10-day closure of Palestinian territories
By SPA,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli military says it is lifting a blanket closure of the West Bank and Gaza it imposed for 10 days over the Jewish Passover holiday.
The Associated Press quoted a military statement as saying that the closure ended Monday morning. It mainly affected the West Bank.
Hamas lifts ban on pro-Fatah newspaper
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas court on Thursday allowed a Palestinian newspaper to resume distribution in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip after nearly three months of banning.
Following the decision, the Ramallah-based al-Ayyam daily will appear in the newsstands in Gaza Strip after 78 days of absence.
On Feb. 12, Hamas' first instance court ruled that the newspaper, loyal to rival Fatah party, is not allowed to be distributed in Gaza for the newspaper published a cartoon that Hamas considered harming the parliament it leads.
Mosul operation will be swift, says Iraqi minister of interior
By KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi Minister of Interior Jawwad Al-Bolani said Friday evening the planned military operation targeting Al-Qaeda organization in the northern city of Mosul would be very swift.
"President Jalal Talabani asserted that the country was passing through a critical period in its efforts to assert its stature," Al-Bolani told reporters following his meeting with Talabani.
The meeting was also attended by leaders of the security agencies.
Fuel shortages, rising food prices hampering UN aid efforts in Gaza, W.Bank
By APP,
United Nations : Fuel shortages and rising food prices are placing heavy burdens on the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees and forcing it to cut back on life-saving activities in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, its spokesperson said.
Iraq to always remain sovereign – PM
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has said that Iraq will not be influenced by any party and will always be independent, asserting that stability of the region will not materialise without Iraq's stability.
In a meeting with tribal elders in Karbala Sunday, Al-Maliki said Iraq respects its responsibilities and commitments towards the international community, and seeking good relations with neighbouring countries.
He called on the neighbouring countries to establish good relations with Iraq because Baghdad would always be strong, free and sovereign.
Four US Soldiers Killed in Iraq
By Prensa Latina,
Washington : Four US soldiers died when a roadside bomb exploded in the Iraqi western province of Al Anbar, the Pentagon reported on Sunday.
A communique issued by the Defense Department noted that the attack took place on Friday.
Another two US marines died last week in a similar incident in Al Anbar, a region that Washington had already considered safe.
The cities of Ramadi and Falluja, stronhold of the resistance against occupation, are located in Al Anbar, the largest Iraqi province.
Zia faces her first formal graft charge
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia Tuesday faced her first formal graft charge as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused her and 10 others of abuse of power in awarding a gas exploration and extraction deal to Canadian company Niko.
Her law minister Moudud Ahmed and former state minister for energy A.K.M. Mosharraf Hossain are among the others named in the charge sheet before the court.
Zia, 62, who ruled Bangladesh for 10 years, during 1991-96 and then in 2001-06, has been in jail since last September.
Jordan, Syria sign agricultural cooperation agreement
By NNN-Petra,
Damascus : Jordan's Minister of Agriculture Muzahim Muhaisin has signed with his Syrian counterpart Adel Safar the 2008-2009 agricultural cooperation executive programme between the agriculture ministries of both countries and minutes of the meeting of the Joint Jordanian-Syrian Committee.
Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in areas related to agricultural research, agricultural and animal products, agricultural marketing and policies and the exchange of expertise, training and visits between the two countries.
Lebanon treads on eggs as riots enter 3rd day
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanon is treading on eggs as fears about another civil war rises after riots in Beirut left at least eight people dead and 40 others injured.
GUNBATTLES SWEEP BEIRUT
The sectarian fighting between anti and pro-government supporters in Beirut entered the third day on Friday. The crackle of gunfire and sporadic bursts of rocket-propelled grenade echoed in many districts of Beirut.
At least eight people were killed and 40 others wounded during the fighting, security sources told Xinhua anonymously on Friday.
Pro-Abbas forces arrest Islamic Jihad, Hamas members
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Islamic Jihad movement on Monday said the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) arrested two of its members in northern West Bank city of Jenin.
In a statement sent to the press, the movement said that members of the Palestinian Intelligence Service arrested Raed Abu al-Rab and Yousef Kmail in the city.
A third member of the movement's armed wing escaped after exchanging fire with the Palestinian forces, the statement added.
Iran starts nuclear talks with IAEA
By SPA,
Tehran : Iran on Monday started nuclear talks with a delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Tehran, 'ISNA' news agency reported.
This round of talks is headed by Iran's IAEA envoy Ali-Asqar Soltanieh and IAEA regional Chief Herman Nackaerts and is being held at Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.
Food Crisis Challenges Governments
By Prensa Latina,
Kuala Lumpur : The urgency for overcoming inflation and solving the food crisis represents a challenge for many governments, affirmed Malaysia prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Local commentators emphasized the message of the head of the federal government to celebrate the recent 62nd anniversary of his National Organization Party of United Malaysians (UMNO).
Abdullah Badawi highlighted the need to concentrate financial resources in a direction that will protect the population, prevent the food crisis and reduce inflation.
Syria says it is involved in peace talks with Israel
By KUNA,
Damascus : Syria announced on Wednesday that it was involved in peace talks with Israel under Turkish sponsorship.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted an official source of the Foreign Ministry as saying Syria and Israel had begun indirect peace talks under Turkish auspices.
Lebanon is, will remain strong with will of PPL – Suleiman
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Lebanon is strong and will remain so with the will of its people, said Lebanese Army Commander and presidential nominee General Michel Suleiman on Thursday.
Speaking to "Al-Qabas" newspaper, he said, "We have survived difficult phases and blows, but every time, the Lebanese people proved that they can overcome their wounds and pain with the support of their Arab brothers and friends around the world."
TV: PML-Q to support PPP if Pakistan’s coalition breaks
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Thursday said the PML-Q would support the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) if the ruling coalition broke, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.
The PML-Q, which is the largest opposition party in Pakistan, will not join the PPP in the government but support it in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, Shujaat said.
Italy government “flexible” on Afghan troop rules
By SPA,
Rome : Italy's new conservative government will be more flexible on rules of engagement for its troops in Afghanistan, who cannot now be used in a combat role, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in a newspaper interview, according to Reuters.
With the United States urging allies to play a bigger role in the war against the Taliban, Frattini told La Stampa newspaper Italy would "start arguing more concretely in terms of
flexibility and adaptability on the ground" at an Afghan donors' conference in Paris next month.
Saad Hariri tipped to become Lebanon’s new prime minister
By DPA,
Beirut : Saad Hariri, head of the anti-Syrian majority in the Lebanese parliament, was tipped Friday to become the next prime minister after the election of army commander Michel Suleiman as president.
Former president Amin Gemayel, who has close ties to the pro-Western majority, nominated Hariri to take over from Fouad Seniora.
"Since he is the head of the largest parliamentary bloc it's only normal that he (Hariri) becomes the prime minister," Gemayel told DPA.
Hamas invites Frensh FM to visit Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) ruling Gaza Strip called Saturday on French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to visit the territory to learn about the suffering of its people.
Taher al-Nounou, a spokesman for the Hamas government in Gaza, told the press that the invitation "was motivated by France's moral stance" which was reflected throughout Kouchner's remarks.
Moussa extols Arab efforts for Lebanon as successful
By KUNA,
Damascus : Visiting Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa on Monday commended common Arab action on Lebanon as "successful" and having made a major achievement.
Moussa was speaking to reporters following a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem.
Fruitful Arab efforts for Lebanon would lead to more favorable points and activities on other Arab fronts, he said.
Moussa hailed the Syrian role in the settlement of the Lebanese standoff.
"No buts, the Syrian role was important and decisive," he said.
IAEA sets ‘new trap’ for Iran, says former president
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran's former president Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani Friday accused the UN nuclear watchdog of setting a "new trap" in its nuclear dispute with Tehran.
In its latest report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran had failed to provide explanations for intelligence indicating it may have pursued a nuclear arms programme.
The report renewed "baseless claims from the past" and "is a new trap for Iran because we have already clarified all outstanding issues with the IAEA," Rafsanjani told a Friday prayer ceremony.
U.S. marine disciplined for missionary conduct in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The U.S. military in Iraq said Friday it has removed a marine from duties for his handing out coins with Bible words to Iraqi Muslims.
The U.S. military said in a statement that it is looking into complains from Fallujah residents that U.S. soldiers have been handing out coins with a Bible verse written in Arabic.
The statement said a marine has been removed from his duties, but noted it was an isolated incident and that there was no collective drive to influence the local Muslim population.
White House Says No Objection to Abbas-Hamas Dialogue
By SPA,
Washington : The White House on Thursday welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ appeal for reconciliation talks between his party and Hamas, which seized the Gaza Strip last summer.
Spokeswoman Dana Perino said Abbas was acting under a Yemeni-brokered deal reached in March for the two Palestinian factions to open their first direct talks since Hamas pushed Abbas’ Fatah from power in Gaza.
Police seizes explosive-laden vehicles near Islamabad amid high security
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Hours after security was placed on red alert in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, police seized three explosive-laden vehicles in neighboring Rawalpindi and arrested at least three would-be suicide bombers, said police on Friday.
Acting on a tip, police conducted a raid in Jinnah town of Rawalpindi late Thursday night, police sources told KUNA.
They said three explosive-laden vehicles were impounded and at least three would-be suicide bombers were arrested.
Bomb attacks hit Iraqi police, nine wounded
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two roadside bomb explosions struck police patrols in Baghdad on Sunday, wounding nine people, including three policemen, an Interior Ministry source said.
A roadside bomb went off near a police patrol close to the Turkish embassy in Baghdad's Waziriyah neighborhood, wounding three policemen and two civilians, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast also damaged a police vehicle, the source said.
Afghan conference to be “new step” for country”s development
By John Keating, KUNA,
Paris : Around 80 international delegations are attending the opening of a one-day conference on Afghanistan in Paris Thursday, to boost the development strategy of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
The conference also aims at assuring the Afghan President of a commitment to his country's security in view of an ongoing and ever-resilient Taliban campaign.
Berlin pledges 420 million euros for rebuilding Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Berlin : The German government has pledged 420 million euros for the Afghan reconstruction process over the next two years ahead of Thursday's Afghanistan Compact meeting in Paris, according to a foreign ministry press statement released Wednesday.
Germany is the fourth largest-donor nation in the war-stricken country.
The conference in the French capital aims to raise more than the 10.5 billion US dollars pledged at the London donors conference two years ago.
Militants, Afghan civilian killed in Coalition forces operation
By Zhang Yunlong, Xinhua,
Kabul : An anti-insurgents operation of the U.S.-led Coalition forces have left several militants killed and one female civilian dead in eastern Afghan province of Paktia, a Coalition statement issued here Friday said.
The Coalition forces while searching compounds in Zurmat district Thursday to target two militant leaders were engaged by armed militants, it said.
"The force responded with small-arms fire and air strikes, killing several militants and a woman who was located with the attacking militants in the building," it said.
Hamas dismisses Rice visit as useless
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Sunday slammed the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Israel and the West Bank, calling it as useless and a waste of time.
Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman in Gaza said in a written statement sent to reporters that the visit of Rice and her meetings with Palestinian officials "won't bring anything good for the Palestinian people."
"Rice came to the region to exert pressure on President (Mahmoud) Abbas and to spoil the efforts aiming at launching a Palestinian comprehensive dialogue," said Barhoum.
Sarkozy proclaims friendship with Israel, need for Palestinian state
By AFP,
Tel Aviv : French President Nicolas Sarkozy proclaimed his friendship for Israel at the start of a three-day visit on Sunday but also said Israeli security depended on the creation of a Palestinian state.
UN nuclear team to inspect bombed Syria desert site
By AFP,
Damascus : Senior UN atomic experts are set to begin a three-day visit to Syria on Sunday to inspect a mysterious site bombed by Israel last year amid US allegations that it was a nuclear facility.
The team led by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) deputy chief Olli Heinonen left Vienna in the morning but there was no immediate indication in Damascus about their arrival as Syria kept the visit under tight wraps.
One British soldier killed in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
London : British Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday that one British soldier was killed in a firefight in southern Afghanistan.
The soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was killed on Tuesday morning during a firefight in Helmand province, the ministry said in a statement.
"He was on a deliberate operation against the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley when he was fatally wounded," said the ministry, adding that next of kin had been informed.
Suicide bomber kills 15, wounds 17 west of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Ramadi, Iraq : A suicide bomber blew himself up at a gathering of tribal leaders and local officials in Anbar province on Thursday, killing 15 people and wounding 17 others, a provincial police source said.
The attacker blew up his explosive-belt in the building of the municipal council of the town of Garmah, near the city of Fallujah, when Sunni Arab tribal leaders and local officials were holding a meeting there, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Afghan heroin may flood South Eat Asia, say India, Pakistani experts
By P. Vijian, NNN-Bernama,
New Delhi : Top Indian and Pakistani narcotics officials have warned South East Asian governments of increasing African drug dealers exploiting Asian women to smuggle heroin and that the trend will worsen as Afghanistan is enjoying a bumper opium crop.
Israel denies negotiations with Palestinians in Washington in July
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : Israel has denied that it will hold talks with the Palestinian side next month in Washington.
"Not true," said Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ari Mickey Sunday, in response to the recent statement by Ahmad Qurei, head of the Palestinian negotiating team, to the Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam that his team had received an invitation to visit the United States next month to meet with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to assess the course of negotiations between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides.
Britain to double its assistance to Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Britain announced Thursday it will double its financial aid to militancy-hit Pakistan, making it to 480 million pounds (about $950 million) by 2011.
The announcement was made by British Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander, who signed an agreement to this effect with the Pakistani government in Islamabad.
The programme, largely meant to eliminate poverty and improve the social sector, would also focus on development in Pakistan's tribal areas, which have seen a steep rise in Islamic militancy.
Arab League Chief optimistic that Lebanese cabinet will be formed within hours
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa expressed on Saturday his optimism that the awaited Lebanese cabinet would be formed within hours, saying that there were "serious indications" in this regard.
He clarified in a press release that talks being held on this matter were back on track and were headed toward a mutual agreement.
Moussa received and made intensive phone calls with several Arab and Lebanese parties of concern, noting that he sensed "real progress" towards forming Lebanon's cabinet and expecting to wrap up this debate within hours.
Seven killed in suicide blast at Indian embassy in Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul/New Delhi : At least seven people were killed in a suicide attack Monday morning that targetted the Indian embassy in the Afghan capital, officials said.
Five people died on the spot while two succumbed to their injuries in hospital after a suicide bomber blew up his explosives-packed car, according to the Afghan defence ministry.
The attack took place near to the interior ministry, said Zemarai Bashary, interior ministry spokesman.
U.S. condemns car bomb attack near Indian embassy in Kabul
By Xinhua,
Toyako, Japan : The United States on Monday condemned the suicide bomb attack near India's embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul, which killed at least 28 people.
"We condemn this needless act of violence, and offer our sincere condolences to those injured and especially to those families who lost loved ones," said U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
At least 28 people were killed and 141 others injured in the suicide attack near the Indian embassy in Kabul Monday morning, according to an Afghan Health Ministry spokesman.
Israel officially confirms signing of prisoners swap deal with Hezbollah
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel has officially confirmed the signing of a deal to exchange prisoners with Hezbollah, the Israeli radio reported on Monday.
The radio quoted sources in the Cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as saying that Ofir Dekkel, the official in charge of the file of prisoners and missing soldiers, and the UN envoy Gerhard Conard signed the deal.
Israel to close crossings with Gaza Strip – source
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel announced Monday evening that it would be closing all crossings linking it with the Gaza Strip.
Haaretz newspaper said on its website that an Israel military source has affirmed that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak instructed the closure of the three crossings providing Gaza with its needs of food and vital supplies.
The decision was taken after mortar shells fell on the Karni crossing without causing any casualties.
Explosion in Gaza kills 2
By SPA,
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : An explosion went off early Tuesday at a Hamas training camp in Gaza, killing two members of the group and wounding three, a Palestinian health official and Hamas said.
The Israeli military said it was not involved, according to a report of the Associated Press.
The blast came during a three-week-old truce between Gaza's Hamas rulers and Israel.
Emissaries of Musharraf, Sharif to meet?
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif may have said that he would never talk to President Pervez Musharraf, but efforts are now underway for a possible meeting between their emissaries as part of "national reconciliation" by the presidency.
Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had been ruling out any contact with Musharraf but now after a message from a 'world leader', "the two archrivals may go for indirect contact", a source privy to the developments told IANS.
Barak labels UN resolution 1701 as failure
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday criticized that the United Nations resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war failed to stop the Hezbollah guerrilla group from arming itself with Syrian assistance.
"Security Resolution 1701 did not work, doesn't work, and is a failure," Barak was quoted by Israel Army Radio as saying during a Labor faction meeting.
Philippines likely to reopen embassy in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Manila : The Philippines is likely to reopen its embassy in strife-torn Iraq within the year as the situation there continues to improve, an official from the country's Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
The decision to reopen the embassy in Iraq would depend on security reports from the U.S. government intelligence, Philippine TV network GMA News Reported, citing Jesus Yabes, assistant Foreign Secretary for the Middle East and African affairs.
Military decoration recommended for Kabul attack victims
By IANS,
New Delhi : The four Indians killed in the terror attack outside the Indian embassy in Kabul last week have been recommended for the Kirti Chakra, the country's second highest military decoration for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield, an official said.
The Four Indians - defence attaché Brig. R.D. Mehta, press counsellor V. Venkat Rao and security personnel Roop Singh and Ajai Pathania - were among the 54 people killed in the July 7 attack, in which about 140 people were injured.
Israel, Hezbollah swap prisoners
By DPA,
Tel Aviv/Beirut : A long-anticipated exchange of prisoners between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah got underway Wednesday morning, with officials of the radical Shia organization handing over the bodies of two Israeli soldiers to Red Cross officials on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel.
Two black vehicles brought the two black coffins, confirming long speculation about the fate of the two soldiers kidnapped two years ago by Hezbollah.
Maliki, Bush discuss troop withdrawal timetable over phone
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi and U.S. leaders have talked about bilateral relations in a phone conversation, including working out a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the Iraqi government said Friday.
Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and U.S. President George W. Bush stressed the importance of achieving a timetable to hand over security control to the Iraqi security troops so as to lay the ground for the pullout of the U.S. force.
UN-AU Darfur mediator arrives in Khartoum
By NNN-KUNA,
Khartoum : Joint mediator of the UN and African Union (AU) to Darfur Djibril Yipene Bassole arrived here Saturday for talks with Sudanese officials on the situations in the troubled province, and Khartoum's efforts to enforce peace and stability in the western province.
Minister of state at the Sudanese foreign ministry Ali Karti told reporters Bassole's two-day visit, the first since assuming his mediator's post, was to get acquainted with the situation in general in Darfur.
U.S. troops capture suspect linked to Iranian-backed Shiite militants
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. soldiers captured a suspected propaganda specialist affiliated to Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen during a raid on his house in southeastern Baghdad on Monday, the U.S. military said.
Based on intelligence reports, the troops raided the house of the suspect who believed to be affiliated with the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq in the Baghdad al-Jadida neighborhood, or New Baghdad, a military statement said.
Coalition soldier, several militants killed in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
KabulA soldier of the US-led coalition troops died of wounds he had suffered during a roadside bomb blast in Helmand province of Afghanistan. A statement from the coalition forces' Bagram base said the soldier died this (Monday) morning. His identity and nationality were not released. Earlier in the day, the NATO-ISAF had also announced the death of one of its soldiers in fighting in the southeastern province of Khost.
Several militants killed in Afghanistan — coalition
By KUNA,
Kabul : The US-led coalition troops announced Wednesday the killing of several militants during an operation in Maidan Wardak province of Afghanistan in an operation conducted in Said Abad district, along the Kabul-Kandahar Highway.
"Coalition forces searched several compounds in Said Abad targeting a Taliban commander suspected of conducting attacks on coalition forces, including the June 26 attack in Wardak resulting in the deaths of three coalition service members and an Afghan interpreter," said a coalition statement.
Musharraf to attend Beijing Olympics opening ceremony: spokesman
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will be visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on August 8, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Briefing newsmen in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said the President will visit China at the invitation from the Chinese Government.
The President will also hold meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Hu Jintao, the spokesman said.
Pakistan army again open fire on Indian side
By IRNA,
Srinagar, India : Pakistani forces again opened firing on Indian troops in the Nariya post, in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, Wednesday.
No casualty reported so far.
Earlier, on Monday evening at least 12 Pakistani troops crossed into Indian territory and opened fire in the Lepa Valley of Nawgam sector in Kupwara district killing an Indian jawan.
Indian forces returned the fire driving the intruders back.
Four of the intruders were reportedly killed in the exchange of firing.
IAEA official due in Tehran Thursday – spokesman
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : The United Nations nuclear watchdog's deputy director general, Olli Heinonen, is to visit Iran on Thursday, an IAEA spokesman said.
Talking to IRNA Wednesday, the spokesman did not say how long Heinonen would stay in Iran.
Heinonen is the International Atomic Energy Agency's deputy director-general for regional department of safeguards operation.
He visited Iran in May.
18 killed, 44 injured in Iraq attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 18 people were killed and 44 wounded in separate attacks, including a suicide truck bombing, in central and northern Iraq Tuesday, police said.
US offers rewards for information on Al Shabaab members
Washington: The US State Department Friday announced rewards of up to $3 million each for information on three members of Al Shabaab, a Washington-...
Quirks of History: How Jinnah forestalled Fazlul Haq’s gambit
By Prof. Refaqat Ali Khan,
Write Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh, an NGO, invited me to attend the SAARC Literary Festival in Dhaka on 27-28 February, 2014. Delegates from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives were participants. The seminar / festival proposed a discussion / review “Beyond Borders, Trust and Reconciliation”.
‘More than 150,000’ killed in Syrian conflict
Istanbul : More than 150,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights said in a new figure released Tuesday.
40 suicide jackets seized from Afghanistan border
Islamabad : At least 40 suicide jackets were seized by security forces at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, media report said Monday.
Official sources said the jackets...
Muslim Organizations in Mumbai send memorandum to Egypt’s Ambassador to India
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Expressing their concerns for the violation of Human Rights in Egypt, some Muslim organizations in Mumbai has sent a combined memorandum to the Egypt’s Ambassador to India. These organizations have also appealed Government of India to bring the matter before United Nations and help restore democracy in Egypt.